Horrific cell phone video shows a woman brutally attacking an elderly street vendor in Downtown Los Angeles, California. As the family alleges the woman shouted racist comments, the alleged attacker reportedly speaks out, and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) opens an investigation.
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The video, which began circulating on Sunday (June 21), shows a woman arguing with Arabelia Martinez, a longtime hot dog street vendor selling near Figueroa and 7th streets. The woman is seen dumping Chamoy sauce on the 62-year-old vendor’s hot dogs, resulting in the vendor throwing some red Tajín power, back at the woman.
The heated exchange quickly escalated and turned violent as the woman charges after the vendor. The unidentified woman grabs onto Martinez, tackles her to the ground, and pulls her hair while repeatedly throwing punches.
Bystanders attempt to jump in and stop the assault. However, the relentless woman walks up behind the vendor to again beat her on the head and in the face, and wrestle her to the ground. Finally, the surrounding people manage to stop the attack and rescue the vendor from a third attack.
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Woman Accused Of Telling Elderly Street Vendor To ‘Go Back To Mexico’ During Brutal Assault
Martinez’s son, Constantino Garcia, told ABC 7 LA his mother is still recovering the disgusting attack and “getting a lot of severe headaches.” When asked how the events began, he alleged the woman confronted his mother and told her she is not licensed to sell food on the street and needed a permit.
Garcia alleged the woman was “trying to bully and extort her for money.” He also alleged the woman began “making racists comments towards her,” and destroyed his mother’s food cart. He claimed the woman told his mother to go back to Mexico, plus more racist comments. Garcia has since launched a GoFundMe fundraiser for his mother, which has gone viral, nearing $114,000 out of a $120,000 goal.
Garcia wrote on the fundraising campaign:
“My name is Constantino Garcia, and I’m raising funds for my mom, Arabelia Martinez — a beautiful, hardworking street vendor in Downtown Los Angeles who was tragically assaulted earlier this week. My mom has dedicated herself to her work every single day, rain or shine, to provide for our family. She is one of the most resilient and loving people I know, and no one deserves what happened to her. The assault not only left her physically and emotionally shaken, but also resulted in damage to the items she works so hard to maintain. Since sharing what happened, so many kind and generous people around the world have already reached out wanting to help — and it has truly meant the world to our family. All funds raised will go directly toward therapy and professional support so she can begin to heal emotionally and mentally, rest and recovery — giving her the time off she needs without the financial stress of missing work, and replacing the damaged items she relies on to earn a living. My mom has spent her life showing up for others. Now it’s our turn to show up for her. Any contribution — no matter how small — makes a difference, and sharing this post helps more than you know. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
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